Link between premature birth and mental illness

Published måndag 4 juni 2012 kl 12.54

New Swedish and British research indicates that premature children born in the 1970’s and 80’s have a higher risk for serious mental illnesses.

Previous studies have shown higher incidences of stroke, lung disease, and visual impairments among those born early. But the new research looks farther ahead into their lives. The conditions found to be linked to premature birth include psychoses, depression, and bipolar disorders

Professor Christina Hultman of Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute, who was part of the research team, tells Swedish Radio News their conclusions underline the importance of taking care of newly borns in the best possible manner. She adds that since prenatal care has improved in the past 10 or 15 years, that she expects a follow-up study in 10 years to reveal fewer risks.